She released her debut album in April of 1999, but left to study culture, English and history in Hawaii in July of the same year. In Ocotber, she went to New York for dance lessons, vocal training, song writing and live performances. She worked as a model for a time, but in 2003 she signed to the label Chichuukai changing her name to Ruca. She released one album called Akai Tsuki, featuring cover songs of Mediterranean songs, dubbed euroeka by her record label (which also were responsible for Hello! Project's Iida Kaori's solo works). She performed the songs Sayonara wo Oshiete and Kanashimi no Symphony from the album at GIRLPOP FACTORY in 2003, as well as a Yumemiru Chanson Ningyou with all the performers closing the show.